Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the Bible. The Lord has devoted 176 verses from Scripture to uplift His laws, decrees, and righteous commandments.
We live in a world today where God’s precepts are not taken seriously, even in the Judeo-Christian community. May this chapter be a staunch reminder that God desires that we obey His Word. As Jesus said: “If you love me, you will obey my commands.”
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Dear Father God, your law and precepts are good. When we walk according to your life-breathing commandments, we will be set free. Obedience to your commands will bring forth a blessed life. When we meditate on your word, our ways will keep us on the narrow path that leads to a blameless life.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart–they do no wrong but follow his ways.
The greatest command you gave us was to love you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This fulfills the 613 commandments you have given us in your word. When we keep your statutes and seek you with all our heart, our lives will be transformed.
Help us to do this. We desperately need your Holy Spirit to navigate us through treacherous waters. When we abide in you, we produce fruit. When we do not abide in you, we wither away.
Only you can cause the growth in our spiritual lives. Please, holy Father, protect us from the evil one and grant us everlasting life.
You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
In John 14:15, your Son Jesus said: “If you love me, obey my commands.” This is an important concept today in a contemporary Christian world where it’s all about grace.
Yes, grace is foundational to the Christian life because you have extended mercy upon us. All of us have sinned and deserve your wrath, but you died in our place and imputed righteousness to us.
However, the apostle Paul made it very clear: “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound?” God forbid. I feel like we live in a world today where sin is trivialized and true repentance is not happening.
Someone will say, “God will forgive me” but then they make no concerted effort to turn from their vices. Oh Lord, help us to understand that while you extend grace lavishly, you also require strict obedience to your law.
Therefore, when we obey your holy word and keep your commands, we won’t be put to shame. If we are ashamed of your commandments, then that means we would be ashamed of who you are as a person. We can’t embrace you and disregard your righteous decrees. Thus, let’s praise both you and your precepts to a lawless world.
I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.”
Creator of the universe, you deserve all our praise. You are worthy of undivided attention and adoration. For you created the world with wisdom, love, and righteousness. May we learn your righteous laws and obey your decrees. May we meditate on them daily and not forsake your commands.
Oh Lord, we are confident you will not forsake us. You are a loving Father who cares deeply about us. Protect us from the enemy. Strengthen us with your love and mercy.
Let’s share the good news that you save sinners so they can experience the unconditional love you have bestowed upon us. Thanks for being a good God. We give you all the praise and honor in Jesus name. Amen.
Conform to Jesus 